Check Licenses Through Hotline

July 23, 1985

LIFE HAS BECOME a bit more complicated for the ripoff artists who infest Florida, creating roof leaks and then botching the job of fixing them, sealing driveways with tap water, selling swampland to gullible retirees.

The Department of Professional Regulation has set up a hotline, making it easier for consumers to check the credentials of contractors, hairdressers, real estate agents and anybody else involved in the 37 occupations that require state licenses.

Construction work generates about half of the complaints filed by Floridians. According to consumer advocates, for every licensed contractor in Broward and Palm Beach counties there is another plying the trade without state approval.

Before an unlicensed bumbler can be prosecuted, a written complaint must be filed with the DPR. Considering the time consumed in the investigative process and the difficulty of catching up with offenders, that action may be more satisfying than productive.

Too many consumers have found, to their chagrin, that fly-by-night operators who are so eager to take the money for a job are nowhere to be found when it comes time to straighten out their mistakes.

A call to the DPR hotline, 1-800-851-1204, before a contract is signed could prevent big headaches later on.